Sealed carton and method of testing contained articles



May 21, 1929. E. o. TINSLEY SEALED CARTON AND METHOD OF TESTING CONTAINED ARTICLES Filed Oct. 1, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR Ida (lard 0 2 577512 E. O. TINSLEY May 21, 1929.

SEALED CARTON AND METHOD OF TESTING CONTAINED ARTICLES 2 Sheets-Sheet Filed Oct. 1, 1925 INVENTOR Edward 0 7772s y BY KW ATTORNEY Patented May 21, 1929.

UNITED STATES 1,113,631 PATENT OFFICE.

EDWARD O. TINSLEY, OI NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOB TO ROBERT om comm,

0] NEW YOR K, N. Y., A CORPORATION OI NEW YORK.

sumo micron AND rumor) or ras'rmo comamnn mucus.

Application filed October 1, 1925. Serial Io. 59,824.

My present invention relates to an improved method of protecting and testing radio tubes and has for its main object the provision of means whereby the tubes may be readily tested within the original carton without unsealing the same, and it also contemplates an original form of carton for thoroughly protecting the fragile tube against breakage due to inadvertent handling and at the same time to permit of testing the tube in an electric circuit in order to ascertain that the filament thereof is in operative condition and not broken, and simultaneously therewith to permit visual inspection of the filament at the moment of testing.

This method of packing and testing tubes permits the safe handling of the tube from the time it is packed in the container until it is removed therefrom by the user, and obviates the necessity for the removal of the tube from the container except by the user, and insures that the original tubes remain in the original sealed carton unbroken until the seals are broken by the buyer thereof.

This method also contemplates the utilization with this system of a tube testing stand which may be carried on the counter of the vendor of the tubes and this apparatus has means cooperating with the carton itself, whereby when the tube in the sealed carton is placed in the testing device, the filament circuit is closed, the filament lighted and registering means provided on the carton itself will permit viewing of the filament when so lighted.

Another advantageof my construction is that means are also provided in the carton itself for causing registration of the tube within the container so that upon coordinating the carton itself with the testing stand, the tube is in proper position to contact the filament connections of the tube with the filament circuit closing contacts in the testing stand.

Other advantages of my present invention relate also to the construction of the carton itself and'the means whereby cushioning effeet is obtained in, the carton to thoroughly cushion and protectthe tube against accidental brealrage during shipment and handling, and at the same time to hold such portions of the tube as are to be utilized in testing in view to be properly exposed.

Referring to the accompanying drawing showing one of the possible embodiments of the invention, Fig. 1 is a erspective elevation of the carton in close folded form and having a radio tube therein.

Fig. 2, is a longitudinal sectional view of the cartonhaving a radio tube therein and showing the cushioning supporting and closure flaps at the ends of the casing, the outermost of these flaps being in partially open position.

Fig. 3, is a horizontal view of Fig. 1, member in the said member.

Fig. 4, is a fragmental sectional view of one end of the carton showing the cushioning supporting and closure flaps in closing position.

Fig. 5, is a perspective view of the resilient liner member, and on a smaller scale than Fi 3.

Fig. 6, is a side view of the carton having a radio tube therein and a suitable apparatus for testing the tube without removal thereof from the carton, and

Fig. 7, is a view in extended position of the blank from which the casing is formed by folding the blank.

Similar reference characters denote similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to Fig. 1, the carton, which may be of cardboard or any suitable foldable material, has a casing 10, oblong in shape and rectangular in cross section having foldably connected to one of its ends on two opposite sides at the ends of the sides the inner cushioning supporting and closure flaps 11 and 12, each provided with an extension foldably connected to the side of the easing for bending the flap whereby when the flap is in closing position the main portion of the flap lies in a plane below the transverse plane of the adjacent end edge of the casing. The flap 11 has on its side opposite said bending extension the binding extension 13 and has a free side, and has 0 posite its free side an extension consisting 0 an intermediate portion 11 and an outer portion 11", Figs. 1 and 7, the intermediate portion 11 forming with the adjacent side of the easing a pocket and thg; outer portion 11" providing a support for one end of the outer cushionin supporting closure flap 14 as later stated. 'fhe flap 11 has in its mid rtion the aperture 11, preferably circu er, in

transverse sectional showing the resilient liner carton and a radio tube in which the bulb end of the tube is received when the flap is in supporting and closing position, and has adjacent its bending extension the tongue 11" whereby the outer flap 12 by engagement of its free edge under the tongue 11 is locked in closing position.

The inner cushioning and supporting closure flap 12 is free on three of its sides and is provided in its mid portion with the aperture 12 preferably circular, which s smaller than the aperture 11 for distinguishing it from the aperture 11 and is intended to receive the tip end of a finger for readily withdrawing the flap 12 from closing position and also provides space for receiving the teat on the end of the tube.

The outer cushioning and supporting closure flap 14 is foldably connected to the third side of the casing at the end of the side, the fourth or opposite side of the casing being free, and is provided with the locking extension 15 foldably connected thereto. The outer closure flap 14 is not rovided with an extension for bending the ap, but when in closing position lies substantially in the transverse plane of the and edge of the casing, the locking extension 15 being received in the pocket 15 formed between the portion 11 of the inner flap 11 and the adjacent side of the casing 10, the flap 15 being supported in this position by resting on the portion 11 of the flap 11.

tension 15 of the The flaps 11 and 12 when in supporting and closing position are foldably pressed into the end of the casing in superimposed relation and are 'tensionally held between the walls of the casing 10, the bending extensions of the flafps 11 and 12 and the exap 14 when the flaps are in closing position, providing reinforcement for the adjacent end portion of the casing. The outer flap 14 when in closing position is pressed into the end of the casing and the downturned extension 15 thereof engages in the before mentioned pocket 15 to hold the outer flap in the casing. Due to the absence from the outer flap 14 of a bend- I ing extension at its connection to the side of the casing and the bearing of the flap 14 on the portion 11 of the inner flap 11, the outer flap 14 when in closing position lies substantiall in the transverse plane of the end edge 0 the casing 10 and space is thus provided between the outer flap 14and the outermost of the inner flaps whereby the impact of a blow on the outer flap 14 will be yield-ably received thereon without injuriously affecting the inner flaps, it being noted that the flaps 11 and 12 constitute a plurality of adjacent-1y disposed cooperating cushioning surfaces while the outer flap 14 constitutes a yieldably protective cover for that end of the carton.

The opposite end of the casing 10 is provided with the inner cushioning supporting and closure-tflaps 16, 17 and 18, foldably connected to three sides of the casing at the ends of the sides and each having an extension for bending the fla whereby when the fla is in closing position it lies in a plane be ow the transverse plane of the endedge of the casin and the casing 10 at this end of the casing is provided with the outer cushioning supporting and closure tab 19 foldably connected to the fourth side of the casing and also having an extension for bending the flap.

The inner flaps 16, 17 and 18 and the outer flap 19 each has in its mid ortion a circular opening such as 20 clear y shown in Figs. 1 and 2,'the opening of the flap 19 being smaller than the other openings and having the crosspiece 20 for the purpose later stated, these openings when the inner flaps 16, 17 and 18 and the outer flap 19 are in closing position being in registration and for the purpose later stated. The inner flaps 16, 17 and 18 on three of their sides have straight edges and the outer flap 19 on two of its sides has straight edges and on a third side has the upturned extension 21. The inner flaps 16, 17 and 18 when in supportin and closin position are foldabiy pressed into the cut of the casing in superimposed relation and are tensionally held between the walls of the casing 10, below the transverse plane of the end edge of the casing, and the outer tab 19 is pressed down upon the uppermost of said inner flaps and is tensionally held between the-walls of the 1 casing by engagement of the upturned extension 21 with the adjacent wall and engagement of the straight end edges of the outer flap 19' with the walls adjacent thereto, the outer flap 19 thus lying below the transverse plane of the end edge of the easing and space being provided between the outer flap 19 and said end edge, this space being provided on all four of its sides with reinforced walls formed by the extensions of these flaps. The liner member 22 is of cardboard or other suitable material, and is oblong in shape and in cross-section is such as to permit the corner ends of the liner member, when this member is inserted in the casing 10, to engage in the corner ends of the casing. The liner 22 is somewhat less in length than the casing 10, the flaps 11 and 12 and the flaps 16, 17, 18 and 19 when w in closing position being supported on the respective ends of the liner member. Each of the sides of the liner is sprung or curved inwardly to provide resiliency and also to provide means for supporting the radio tube in the liner member by engagement of the bulb or body portion of the tube with the inwardly curved sides of the liner member.

The casing 10 on two opposed sides is provided with the openings or windows 23 and 24, these openings being in registration, and the liner member 22 is provided in two of its opposed sides with the openings or windows 25 and 26 which are in registration with each other and are in registration with the 0 enings 23 and 24: of the casing when the iner member is operatively inserted in the casing. ()ne of the openings 25 or 26, the opening 26 as shown, is provided with the upwardly extending notch or recess 27 for the purpose later stated.

In assembling the casing and inserting the radio tube therein, the inner flaps 11 and 12 and the outer flap 14 being in open position, the liner member 22 is inserted in the casing 10 so that the openings 25 and 26 of the liner member are in registration with the openings 23 and 24 of the casing; the radio tube is inserted in the liner member so that the prongs 28 of the tube pass through the registered openings 20 of the inner flaps 16, 17 and 18, being separated into predetermined pairs by the cross-piece 20 of the aperture 20 of the outer flap 19, these flaps being in closing position, the prongs extending into the space between the outer flap 19 and the end edge of the casing and protected by the reinforced walls formed at this end portion of the casing, the customary lug 29 on the side of the socket being engaged in the notch 27 before mentioned and pushed upwardly to the end of the notch for the purpose later stated; the inner flaps 11 and 12 and outer flap 14 are pressed into closing position, the radio tube thus being supported and cushioned at its sides in the casing b the liner member and supported lengthwise of the casing between the superimposed inner and outer flaps 11 and 12, and 14 and the superimposed inner and outer flaps 16, 17, 18 and 19 and cushioned at its ends thereby, the teat 30, in the case of a tube having the teat, passing through the apertures of the flaps 11 and 12, the tube at this end of the casing being protected by the reinforced walls formed at the end of the casing by said inner flaps 11 and 12 and the outer flap let serving as a yieldable protective cover.

The engagement of the lug 29 in the notch 27 so positions the radio tube in the casing as to cause ready engagement of predetermined prongs of the tube, in the present instance the filament prongs, with predetermined electric contacts of the testing apparatus when the carton is placed on the apparatus so that one opening or window of the carton faces the salesman or person making the test and the opposite opening or window of the cart-on faces the purchaser, thus providing means for simultaneous observation of the test by two persons from different positions, the cross-piece 20 cooperating with the notch 27 in this result and also preventing turning of the tube in the liner 22 Referring to Fig. 6, the testing apparatus consists of the stand S adapted to rest upon a table or store counter, not shown, said stand having operatively the ammeter M electrically connected by the negative wire 36 to a source of electricity. The stand S has on its upper surface the raised portion or platform 31 having therein the adjacently disposed apertures 32 and 33 provided with electric contacts, the platform substantially conformin to the shape of the opening at the end of t e easing into which the prongs of the radio tube project, so that the platform may be snugly received in said opening and the end edges of the casing permitted to rest on the'upper surface of the stand S, the filament prongs of the radio tube in the casing then engaging in the apertures 32 and and the ends of the prongs contacting with said electric contacts, one of the contacts being connected by the positive wire 34 to the supply of electricity and the other contact being connected by the wire 35 to the ammeter M, it being understood that when the carton is so placed one opening or window thereof will face towards the side of the stand having the ammeter dial thereon and the other opening or window thereof will face towards the op posite side of the stand, the filament prongs of the tube in the casing being positioned for engagement in the apertures 32 and 83 by the engagement of the before mentioned lug 29 of the tube in the notch 27 of the liner member before described.

It is obvious from the foregoing disclosure that one of the main features of my present form of container permits of the following:

The registration of the tube in the cushion means within the casing as well as the hoLding thereof and in a manner that such registration means coordinates with the sight openings in the container for permitting visual inspection without breaking the seals, and at the same time provides cooperating parts of the container in conjunction with the predetermined position of the tube therein, so that the filament contacts are in proper operative position in the container to cooperate with an electrical current testing device whereby the tube may in proper visual position.

In the testing of the tube the test in ordinary circumstances extends only to testing the filament to see that it is unbroken, and in order to insure that the filament is in proper condition for functioning, the insertion of the filament contacts within the circuit as shown in Fig. 6, causes the filament to light and the ammeter M to indicate the current flow which in ordinary tubes for radio reception is about one-quarter ampere. Thus this new package permits of visual inspection of the filament during the test and checking of the current consumption of be readily tested arranged therein Ill) said filament durin such test without breaking the carton sea s, thereby insuring that the tube is sold to the purchaser in its original. sealed condition.

The blank, Fig. 7,. for forming the easing by folding the blank consists generally of a substantially oblong main portion composed of a series of oblongside forming sections A, B, C and D of like dimensions and defined from each other by the score lines 37., 38 and 39 extending transversely of the main portion, and free hanging closure flap sections on the ends of the side forming sections.v The side section B has the aperture 23 therein and the side section D has the aperture 24 therein, smaller than the aperture 23, these apertures registering when the side sections A, B, C and D are folded to form the casing 10, the section D being provided with the attaching extension 40 for securing the sectionD to the free side of the section A to form the casing.

The side sections A, B and D have at one end thereof foldably connected thereto and defined therefrom by score lines the freehanging closure flap sections 11, 12 and 14, this end of the side section C being free. The sections A, B, C and D have on their opposite ends foldably connected thereto and defined therefrom by score lines the free-hanging closure flap sections 16, 17, 18 and 19.

The free-hanging closure fiap section 11 is located intermediately of the free-hanging closure flap sections 12 and 14, adjacently to the flap section 14 and separated from the flap section 12 by the free side of the side section C and has a square main portion, and is provided with the bending section 41 foldably connected thereto and defined therefrom by a score line, and has on its side opposite the bending section 41 the binding extension 13 defined from the main portion of the flap section 11 by a score line, and has on the adjoining side foldably connected thereto and defined therefrom by a score line an extension composed of the pocket forming and supporting sections 11 and 11 defined from each other by a score line. The closure flap section 11 has therein the aperture 11 and is provided with the tongue 11 adjacent to the score line of the bending section 41 for the purpose hereinbefore stated. The free-hanging closure flap sec-- tion 12 has a main portion similar to the main portion of the flap section, and is provided with a similar bending section 42 foldably connected thereto and defined therefrom by a score line. The closure flap section 12 has therein the aperture 12 smaller than the aperture 11 and registering therewith when the closure flap sectionsll and 1.2 are in superimposed relation. The free-hanging closure flap section 14, which constitutes an outer or cover flap section, has a main portion similar to the flap sections 11 and 12 and has foldably attached to one end thereof and defined therefrom by a score line the locking extension 15, but the flap section 14 has no bending section for the reason hereinbefore stated.

The free-hanging closure flap sections 16,

17 and 18 have main portions similar to the main portions of the flaps 11, 12 and 14 and have similar bending sections 43, 44 and 45, foldably connected thereto and defined therefrom by score lines. Each of the flaps 16, 17 and 18 has therein an aperture 20, these apertures registering when the flaps are in superimposed relation. The freehanging closure flap section 19 has a main portion similar to that of the flaps 16, 17 and 18, and has a similar bending section 46 foldably connected thereto and defined therefrom by a score line, and has on the side opposite the bending section 46 the extension 21 foldably connected thereto and defined therefrom by a score line for providing an up-standing end portion of the flap. The flap section 19 has therein the aperture 20, which is smaller than the apertures of the fiaps 16, 17 and 18, and which registers therewith when the flaps 16, 17, 18 and 19 are in superimposed relation, said aperture of the flap section 19 having a cross-piece 20 for the purpose hereinbefore stated.

' To fold the blank for forming the casing, the side sections A, B, C and D are folded on the score lines 37, 38 and 39 and the extension 40 is'brought into lapping relation with the free side of the section A and adhesively or otherwise secured thereto to form the casing 10, the free-hanging closure flaps 11, 12 and 14 are folded and ressed into one end of the casing and the free-hanging closure flaps 16, 17, 18 and 19 are folded and pressed into the opposite end of the casing in the superimposed relation hereinbefore described.

What I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. A blank for forming a casing by folding the blank on the scorings thereof, said blank consisting of an oblong main portion composed of a series of oblong side forming sections defined from each other by parallel transverse score lines and having on one of the sections means for securing the sections together for forming the casing, two of said sections forming opposed sides of the casing and having apertures therein registering when said sections are in opposed side forming re1ation,-a series of free-hanging outer closure flap sections foldably connected to a side of said main portion and each having an aperture therein registering with the apertures of the other flap sections of the series when the outer closure flap sections are in operative assembled relation, and free-hanging closure flap sections foldably connected to the side of said main portion opposite to the first mentioned side and constituting inner closure flap sections and an outer losureflap covering section, one of said inner closure flap sections having an aperture therein and a tongue member and having a binding extension and an extension composed of a pocket forming section and a supporting section, the other inner closure flap section having an aperture registering with the last mentioned aperture when the inner closure flap sections are in assembled relation, said outer closure flap covering section having a locking extension foldably connected thereto.

2. In combination, a casing, a liner of less length than the casing and received therein longitudinally thereof, the edges of said liner being so disposed at the edges of said casing that the sides of said liner are sprung, a plurality of closure members foldably connected to the sides of the casing at one end of the casing and disposed therein transversely thereof in superimposed relation to each other and engaging one end of the liner for retaining the liner in the casing and constituting cushioning means at one end of the casing, and a plurality of closure members foldably connected to the sides of the casing at the end thereof opposite the first mentioned end and disposed therein transversely thereof in superimposed relation to each other and engaging the end of the liner opposite the first mentioned end thereof for retaining the liner in the casing and constituting cushioning means in the casing at that end of the casing.

3. In combination, a casing rectangular in cross-section, a liner of less length than the casing and received therein longitudinally thereof and spaced away at its side surfaces from the side surfaces of the casing for providing cushioning space between the liner and casing, a plurality of closure members foldably connected to the sides of the casing at one end of the casing and disposed therein transversely thereof in superimposed relation to each other and engaging one end of the liner for retaining the liner in the casing and constituting cushioning means at one end of the casing, and a plurality of closure members foldably connected to the sides of the casing at the end thereof opposite the first mentioned end and disposed therein transversely thereof in superimposed relation to each other and engaging the end of the liner opposite the first mentioned end thereof for retaining the liner in the casing and constituting cushioning means in the casing at that end of the casing. v

4. In combination, a casing rectangular in cross-section, a liner of less length than the casing received in the casing longitudinally thereof, the edges of said liner being disposed adjacent the edges of said casing and havcurved side surfaces whereby spaced away casing, a pluing inwardly the side surfaces of the liner are from the side surfaces of the rality of closure members foldably connectof the. casing in superimposed relation to each other and engaging one end of the liner for retaining the liner in the casing and constituting cushioning means at one end of the casing,- and a plurality of closure members foldably connected to the sides of the casing at the end thereof op ite the first mentioned end and dispose therein transversel thereof in superimposed relation to each other and engaging the end of the liner opposite the first mentioned end thereof for retaining the liner in the casin and constituting cushioning means in the casing at that end of the casing.

5. In combination, a casing, a liner of less length than the casing and received therein longitudinall thereof, a plurality of closure members fol ably connected to the sides of the casing at one end of the casing and disposed therein transversely thereof in superimposed relation to each other and engaging one end of the liner for retaining the liner in the casing and constituting cushioning means at one end of the casing, and a plurality of closure members foldably connected to the sides of the casing at the end thereof opposite the first mentioned end and disposed therein transversely thereof in superimposed relation to each other and engaging the end of the' liner opposite the first mentioned end thereof for retaining the liner in the casing and constituting cushioning means in the casing at that end of the easing, the first mentioned members havi apertures therein registerin when said members are in superlmposef relation and providing a seat for one end of a radio bulb, the second mentioned members having apertures therein registering when said members are in superimposed relation, the filament prongs of said bulb passing through the last mentioned apertures and being exposed for testing the bulb.

6. In combination, a casing, a liner of less length than the casin and received therein longitudinall thereo a plurality of closure members fol ably connected to the sides of the casing at one end of the casing and disposed therein transversely thereof in superimposed relation to each other and engaging one end of the liner for retaining the liner in the casing and constituting cushioning means at one end of the casing, a plurality of closure members foldably connected to the sides of the casing at the end thereof opposite the first mentioned end and disposed therein transversely thereof in superimposed relation to each other and engaging the end of the liner opposite the first mentioned end thereof for retaining the liner in the casing and constituting cushioningmeans in the casing at that end of the casing, the first mentioned members having apertures therein registering when said members are inisuperimposed relation and providing a seat for one end of a radio bulb, the second mentioned members having apertures therein registering when said members are in superimposed relation, the filament prongs of said bulb passing through the last mentioned apertures and being exposed for testing the bulb, and means for positioning said filament prongs in the last mentioned apertures for testing the bulb. v

7. In combination, a casing, a liner of less length than the casing and received therein longitudinally thereof, a plurality of closure members foldably connected to the sides of the casing at one end of the casing and disposed therein transversely thereof in superimposed relation to each other and engaging one end of the liner for retaining the liner in the casing and constituting cushioning means at one end of the casing, a plurality of closure members foldably connected to the sides of the casing at the end thereof opposite the first mentioned end and disposed therein transversely thereofin superimposed relation to each other and engaging the end of the liner opposite the first mentioned end thereof for retaining the liner in the casin and constituting cushioning means in te casing at that end of the easing, the first mentioned members having apertures therein registering when said members are in superimposed relation and providing a seat for one end of a radio bulb, the second mentioned members having apertures therein registering when said members are in superimposed relation, the filament prongs of said bulb passing through the last mentioned apertures and being exposed for testing the bulb, and means appurtenant to the liner cooperating with means appurtenant to the casing for exposing the body portion of said bulb to view during testing of the bulb.

8. In combination, a casing angular in cross-section, and a liner received in said casing longitudinally thereof and having edge portions engaging in the angles of said casing and having side surfaces connecting said edge portions and spaced away from the side surfaces of the casing for resiliently retaining the liner in the casing and providing cushioning space between the liner and easing. 1

9. In combination, a casing rectangular in cross-section, and a liner substantially rectangular in cross-section and received in said casing longitudinally thereof and having edge portions engaging in the corner angles of said casing and inwardly curved side surfaces connecting said edge portions and spaced away from the side surfaces of the casing for resiliently retaining the liner in the casing and providing cushioning space between the liner and casing.

10. In a carton of the character described, a liner having pointed longitudinally extending edge portions formed by intersection of sides of the liner said liner sides being inwardly curved.

11. In a carton of the character described, a liner adapted to house a radio bulb having a contact lug thereon having pointed longitudinally extending edge portions formed by intersection of sides of the liner, said liner sides being inwardly curved, one of said sides being provided with means cooperating with the said contact lug of the radio bulb whereby movement of the bulb in the liner is prevented.

12. In combination, a casing having an aperture forming interior View means providing a view of the interior of said casing, a liner asosciated with said casing and adapted to house an electric bulb having filament prongs and a contact lug thereon, means associated with said liner cooperating with said casing interior view means providing a View of said bulb, and means associated with said liner and cooperating with said contact lug of said bulb to retain the bulb in such a position that the filament thereof can be tested without disturbance of said bulb and said casing interior view means faces the observer when the filament prongs are in testing position.

13. In a container of the class described adapted to contain a radio tube having a contact lug thereon, means associated therewith to retain said tube in filament testing position without removal from said container, said container having an aperture forming interior tube viewing means providing a view of the tube when in filament testing position and means associated with said container cooperating with said contact lug to position said tube relative to said container whereby when said tube viewing means faces an observer, the tube is in filament testing position.

Signed at New York in the county of New York and State of New York this 21st day of September A. D. 1925.

EDWARD O. TINSLEY. 

